FG-LM-01 LOADMASTER
WHAT
A loadmaster is a military fleet-crew member who is responsible for the loading and unloading of cargo and passengers on spacecraft. They also ensure the safety of cargo and comfort of passengers during flight.
Benefits of a dedicated loadmaster
- Increased safety: A loadmaster is trained to ensure the safe loading and unloading of cargo and passengers, reducing costly accidents and injuries.
- Increased efficiency: Having a single authority design and manage the loading procedures of cargo and passengers makes the process smoother.
- Increased flexibility: A dedicated loadmaster can adapt to varying conditions and environments, making the operation more agile and resilient.
- Increased readiness: When utilizing a loadmaster, the unit is ready to deploy at a moment's notice, in a safe, efficient, and flexible manner.
- Increased coherence: A single person in command of cargo and passengers contributes to Unity of Command and maintains consistency aboard ship.
WHEN
Any Pre-, In-, and Post-flight operations where cargo or passengers are present. In a single-person craft, the captain is also the loadmaster among all other duties. In a larger vessel, one person is delegated the role and responsibility during mission briefing.
WHERE
Aboard spacecraft with moveable cargo or where passengers are present. Movable cargo may include Mission Boxes, Sub-SCU containers, Vehicles, etc. Passengers are non-crew personnel present on the spacecraft such as Infantry being ferried to a destination, military/org personnel on route to posts, VIPs, or civilians.
WHY
The Loadmaster makes sure that vehicles and equipment are loaded safely and efficiently. From deciding which vehicles or cargo are in/out first, to where and how vehicles are arranged and packed, to ensuring access to the vehicles is maintained in tight cargo holds.
The battlefield is rapidly changing, and because speed of operations are of utmost importance, a loadmaster is vital in orchestrating shipboard cargo and passenger utilization.
Flight characteristics of the ship may be disastrously affected by weight distribution and shifting of unsecured cargo, it is vital to ensure proper loading.
Loadmasters are responsible for the efficient and compact storage of mission boxes, small cargo containers, and other equipment. This is important to maintain ease of movement, mission safety, and readiness of mission-vital equipment throughout the craft.
In the cargo bay, the loadmaster's authority is paramount to maintain the safety of the spacecraft.
HOW
Responsible for:
- Visual inspection and operational checks of loading mechanisms.
- Delegation and direction of crew involved in loading.
- Reviewing the load manifest before the cargo is loaded to optimize delivery.
- Computing weight and balance, safety and comfort of passengers, and security of cargo during flight.
- Safety procedure briefings.